POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A Polk County sheriff’s deputy is recovering after being mauled by another deputy’s K-9 and being forced to shoot the dog.
- Deputy at fellow K-9 deputy's home to feed, walk Recon
- Recon bit deputy's hand, would not let go
- Recon previously involved in other biting incident last year, not as severe
- More Polk County stories
The sheriff’s office said Deputy Scott Cronin had gone to fellow Deputy Garrett Zeigler’s home to take care of his K-9, Recon, while Zeigler was out of town. That’s when Recon reportedly bit Cronin on the hand and would not let go.
“(Cronin) pins the K-9 up against the cage to hold him still so he can’t,” said Sheriff Grady Judd while making a motion with his hand to simulate Recon mauling Cronin’s hand. “(Recon) will not come off, and when all else fails he had to stop the injury and that’s when he shot him."
Judd went on to say Recon bit another deputy last year under similar circumstances. That bite was not as severe, and Recon was given additional training.
Judd said Cronin is very upset about what happened Monday night.
“The handler is distraught," he explained. "He’s an animal lover. He’s a huge K-9 fan and a strong K-9 handler, himself.”
Cronin underwent surgery on his hand Tuesday and the sheriff’s office said he is expected to be OK.